Evaluation of selection schemes with and without genomic data in Iranian native fowls

The aim of this study was to compare three selection strategies and two properties of breeding value estimations using computer simulation. Simulated traits were weights at birth (BW1), eight weeks (BW8), twelve weeks (BW12), maturation (BWM) and also age at first laying (AFL), weight of first egg (EWM), average egg weight (EW) and egg number (EN). The first strategy was to select cockerels based on breeding value of BW12 and selection of hens based on a selection index with four traits including BW12, AFL, EW and EN. In the second strategy, cockerels and hens were selected using a selection index, as already said. But in the third strategy, cockerels were selected based on breeding value of BW12 and hens based on breeding value of EN. The individual's breeding values for three schemes were estimated by BLUP and ssGBLUP. Matings were performed based on the optimal genetic contribution. The results showed that the total economic values of the first and second programs using ssGBLUP estimations were 450, 460 and 421, and using BLUP were 434, 349 and 418, respectively. The rate of true inbreeding coefficient for ssGBLUP estimations were more than BLUP estimations (0.083, 0.287 and 0.046 vs. 0.072, 0.116 and 0.024, respectively). The results showed that the first strategy for a breeding flock of broiler production, the second strategy for a dual-purpose flock for producing egg and meat and the third strategy for a flock to achieve the highest total economic value with the lowest possible rate of true inbreeding were desirable.